Locking-cover for milk-cans.



No. 662,778. Patented Nov. '27, 1900. c m. nmwo'aL T. B. MILLER. LOCKING COVER FOR MILK CANS.

(Application filed Apr. 21, 1897) (No Model.)

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UNITED STATES airs-r Urrrcn.

CHARLES M. DRAVO AND THOMAS B. MILLER, OF MOKEESPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.

FOR MlLK- CANS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 662,778, dated November 27, 1900.

Application filed April 21, 1897- To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, CHARLES M. DRAVO and THOMAS E. MILLER,citizens of the United States, residing at McKeesport, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvemen ts in Locking-Covers for Milk-Cans; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the in vention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to that class of cans used for carrying milk which are provided with a lid designed to be readily removed from and returned to the can when desired and having in connection therewith a looking attachment to prevent tampering with the contents of the can when the latter is in transit.

The invention consists, primarily, of a lid or cover of the character set forth having inclosed therein a specific form of locking mechanism to inseparably lock the lid or cover to the can-body, the operation being partially automatic.

The invention further consists of a lid or cover having suitable locking mechanism in connection therewith and an exposed keyescutcheon and a handle with a portion there-- of arranged to cover the keyhole in the said escutcheon.

The invention further consists of the specific construction and arrangement of the several parts, which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device for the lid or cover of a milk-can which is simple and eifective in its construction and operation, strong and durable, and one wherein the parts will not become disarranged or injured by a jar or shock imparted thereto during transportation or in loading or unloading the can.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the upper part of the can-body, showing a lid or cover applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a side view, partly in sec- Serial No. 633.155. (No model.)

is a detail perspective view of the covering or shield to be applied within the lid over the lock mechanism. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the upper ring of the can-body, showing the manner of attachment thereof.

Referring to the drawings, wherein similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the several views, the numeral 1 designates a can-body having an upper ring 2, and immediately under the said ring a continuous shoulder 3 is formed in the can-body for a purpose which will be presently described. The removable lid or cover t is constructed in this instance similar to devices of this character now commonly employed and has in the top thereof an opening, over which is suitably mounted an escutcheon 6, having a keyhole therein. The said keyhole is at such distance from the pivotal securing device of the handle or grip 7 that the outer free cross-bar of the latter will engage and cover the said keyhole to prevent entrance into the latter of dirt or other foreign matter and also seal the entrance to the lock. The part of the cross-bar of the said handle or grip which engages the keyhole is constructed with a bend 8, which when said handle or grip is folded over the escutcheon engages a space between two opposite segmental lugs 8 or enlargements disposed on opposite sides of the keyhole. The ordinary form of handle or grip employed in connection with the lid or cover of a milk-can could be readily used, if desired, without detracting from the operation or usefulness of the invention; but the form described is prefcial auxiliary. A bolt-rod passes through a guide 34, depending from the inner side of the cover at the lower portion thereof and thence through a sleeve 35, projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the lid or cover. The said bolt-rod has on the outer end thereof a beveled head 38, which is continuous with an enlarged outer part of said bolt and movable through an opening 39 in the side of the lid or cover which will aline with the shoulder 3 in the adjacent portion of the body of the tion, of the top of the can and cover. Fig. 3

milk-can to cause an interlocking of the two erable and serves as a convenient and benefi-' parts through the medium of the said beveled head of the said bolt-rod. Between the sleeve 35 and the guide 34 the bolt-rod is surrounded by a coiled spring 40, which naturally impels the said bolt-rod outwardly, the said sleeve forming a bearing for the movement of the said enlarged outer part of the bolt-rod to produce strength and resistance against breakage by forcible means. When the can is closed, the bolt-head automatically snaps into the opening 3, and thereby locks the two parts in con nection with each other.

To protect the under side of the mechanism in the lid or cover, a false bottom or partition 42 is provided, as shown in Fig. 3, and has a central swell or struck-out portion 43 to ac commodate the several projecting parts of the look. This bottom or partition 42 will not in any wise interfere with the construction of the lid or cover or unnecessarily increase its weight.

In Fig. 4 a preferred form of rim or ring 47 is shown for the upper part of the can-body. The said rim or ring has a circumferential groove 48 on the outer side thereof into which the upper end of the can-body is adapted to be'swaged. The ends of this ring are also connected by a dovetailed joint 49, and after solder has been applied a smooth connection of the said parts, as Well as a strengthened arrangement, is provided.

When the lid or cover is pressed into the mouth of the can-body, the normally-projecting end or head 38 of the bolt-rod 33 automatically engages the shoulder 3 on said canbody, and thereby locks the lid or cover in connection with said body. When the lid or cover is in the can-body, a space is formed between the same and the shoulder 3, which extends downwardly some distance and is sealed at the bottom by the extreme inner end or flange of the said lid or cover closely fitting the neck of the can, due to the inward slope of the latter. The false bottom or partition-plate 42 prevents the milk in the can from splashing against the lock parts as well as providing other advantages.

It is obviously apparent that many minor details in the construction and arrangement of the several parts might be made and substituted for those described without in the least departing from thenature and spirit of the invention. 7

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. In a locking-cover for milk-cans, a lid or cover having locking mechanism therein provided with an exposed keyhole, and a m ovable handle orgrip forsaidlid orcover adapted to close over the said keyhole, substantially as described.

2. In a locking-cover for milk-cans, a lid or cover having a locking mechanism therein; an escutcheon on the upper surface of one side of the same having a keyhole therein with enlargements on opposite sides thereof; and a movable grip or handle having a central bent portion to fit between said enlargements and cover said keyhole; substantially as described.

3. A milk-can with a tapered neck having an upper surrounding rim into which the upper edge of the said neck is swaged, said rim forming a concealed shoulder; a lid or cover having a straight flange with its lower edge bearing against the tapered neck at a point below the upper edge of said neck; and an automatically-operating bolt carried by the said lid or cover and adapted to engage the lower portion of the rim and be inclosed within the space between the neck and the flange of the lid or cover; substantially-as described.

In testimony whereof we have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES M. DRAVO. THOMAS E. MILLER. Witnesses:

WALTER ARBOGAST, GEORGE MARS, Jr. 

